The Los Angeles City Council unanimously voted on March 29 to approve developer Thomas Properties’ plans to work with upscale hotelier Hanjin Intl. to install digital billboards on the sides of the 45-story Wilshire Grand Hotel and an adjacent, 65-story office tower. Both are slated to open in 2015. The displays installed outside the first 10 floors of the two buildings will feature advertising, and the screens attached to the upper floors will display artwork on non-commercial, LED-screens. LA’s Planning and Land USe commission
Councilwoman Jan Perry, who represents the downtown area, said, "Signage is an important part of downtown’s architectural context, and contributes to the city’s skyline."
Developerrs will begin demolishing the original Wilshire Grand hotel in January 2012. The new towers’ construction will cost approximately $1 billion, and the city has offered $80 million in tax credits for the project.